05.04.2013 Views

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus to Himself - College of Stoic Philosophers

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus to Himself - College of Stoic Philosophers

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus to Himself - College of Stoic Philosophers

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

8 MARCUS ANTONINUS BOOK<br />

was ready and generous in recognising any<br />

real pr<strong>of</strong>iciency, in rhe<strong>to</strong>ric for instance, or juris-<br />

prudence, or national cus<strong>to</strong>ms, or any other<br />

subject ; and eager <strong>to</strong> assist any <strong>to</strong> shine in their<br />

particular sphere <strong>of</strong> excellence. In everything<br />

a loyal son <strong>of</strong> Rome, he did not in such matters<br />

study appearances. He was free from caprice<br />

or humours, constant in attachment <strong>to</strong> the same<br />

places and the same things. After paroxysms<br />

<strong>of</strong> headache, he would return fresh and vigorous<br />

<strong>to</strong> his usual avocations. His <strong>of</strong>ficial secrets were<br />

few, the rare and occasional exceptions being<br />

solely matters <strong>of</strong> public importance. He was<br />

discerning and moderate in organising public<br />

spectacles, in executing public works, in dis-<br />

tribution <strong>of</strong> largess and the like ; always with<br />

an eye <strong>to</strong> the actual need, rather than <strong>to</strong> the<br />

popularity they brought. He never bathed at<br />

odd hours, or <strong>to</strong>ok a passion for building ; never<br />

set up for a connoisseur <strong>of</strong> eatables, <strong>of</strong> the texture<br />

and tints <strong>of</strong> clothes, or <strong>of</strong> personal charms. His<br />

dress came from Lorium where his country house<br />

was, and was generally <strong>of</strong> Lanuvian wool. The<br />

s<strong>to</strong>ry <strong>of</strong> his conduct <strong>to</strong> the apologetic tax-collec<strong>to</strong>r<br />

at Tusculum is a sample <strong>of</strong> his general demeanour.

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!